Agreement secured for ‘major supermarket’ to head to Kirkby town centre

Kirkby shoppers will have a new “major supermarket” in the town centre as a deal has been agreed with a high-profile name.

St. Modwen is currently working with the retail chain to revise its recent planning application to reflect specific requirements, and the store will form part of a wider regeneration of the area.

The chosen supermarket has not yet been named as, having settled terms with St. Modwen, it is now finalising the legal agreement.

The identity of the brand is expected be revealed later this summer.

Hailing the move as key progress for the transformation of Kirby town centre, Paul Batho, projects director at St. Modwen, says: “This is great news for the people of Kirkby who have consistently told us that they want a new supermarket in the town. It’s a major step forward towards our wider redevelopment plans for Kirkby town centre.

“We are working closely with the food operator to finalise the design of the new store which will result in a revised planning application being submitted to Knowsley Council.

“We are also experiencing significant interest from national retailers in coming to Kirkby and it is great news for shoppers in the town that this highly competitive process has resulted in a major supermarket coming on board.

“The scheme will meet the shopping needs of the people of Kirkby and the surrounding area. It will boost the local economy, creating new jobs during and post construction, as well as bringing more shoppers and other local businesses to the town.”

A spokesperson for Knowsley Council adds: “It is really good news that the supermarket operator is working closely with St. Modwen on the finer details of a revised planning application. We look forward to seeing further progress being made as soon as possible because we know that our residents are very keen to be told just which supermarket is going to be coming to Kirkby.”